Saturn VUE

stever · May 2003

There have been some complaints of rattles in our fleet Vue:

steve_ May 1, 2003 11:54pm

But you mean the engine itself is unusually loud?

Steve, Host

fleetwoodsimca · May 2003

One price fits all is the leading Saturn sales motif, and is some degree of firm at all Saturn dealerships. I swore from the beginning of the division's existence that I'd never buy a vehicle from them. At the end of last month I breached my oath! But, I discovered the obvious way to deal with them while getting around the "firm" price concept. It's so simple it's ridiculous: You trade in a vehicle, and negotiate until they surrender! In today's market you can push pretty hard, but be sure you really know what you can get elsewhere for your trade-in on some brand other than Saturn. Otherwise, you cannot make a real comparison.

dindak · May 2003

I don't think anything has changed. That said, your local dealer may not be doing well so some pressure to sell may be seeping through.

bob0029 · May 2003

When engine is started there is a buzzing and a drone type noise in the car but not outside of the car, also when accelerating a loud sort of pinging sound. I use 89 octane so i doubt it could be the gasoline. Could it be the heat shields vibrating on something? Thanks

zapcat · May 2003

My 2003 V6 FWD VUE is scratching the heck out of the tint on both front windows. The dealer has looked at it informally and said Saturn is aware of the problem. Anyone else seen this kind of issue?

I do not think that the V6 is loud.

vuefor2 · May 2003

No noises, smooth V6. No complaints here.

mtena · May 2003

My 2003 VUE has a slight rattle in the dashboard on the driver's side. It appears to be coming from near the AC vent, and I plan to have the dealer try to fix it.

Speaking of noise, the AM radio has a lot of static. Strangely, it's only evident when the engine is running. The dealer will check that out also.

Otherwise, I'm pleased with the vehicle after 400 miles. The performance of the 4 cyl. engine has been adequate so far, and I'm even getting used to the odd feeling of the VUE's steering assist

stevo6 · May 2003

I have not had that problem with the side windows, however my windshield seems to have taken an unusually hard beating this winter, i.e., it has several deep scratches from the wipers. My 2002 Vue has 14000 miles and the windshield is in worse shape than our 98 Dodge Grand Caravan with 51,000 miles.

nwng · May 2003

How does it shift? clutch take up easy?

I am coming from a 97 accord

thanks

fleetwoodsimca · May 2003

My daughter and I find the clutch a delight, even easier to operate than our Pathfinder's. The throttle management program times the deceleration nearly perfectly for shifting with no sliding or lurching due to timing the maneuver. I almost didn't buy the Sport II+, because of the 5 speed manual, but am now VERY pleased. It is linked to a 2.2 liter 4 cylinder that does all we need and then a bit more. The bargain rebate and an exceptionally good trade in allowance made the difference, and we became Saturn owners. I would have bet that would never happen. It did! So far, all is well.

gehe · May 2003

-I think that the bottom line is that things in the US economy are EXTREMELY bad. The auto industry has been taking an extended hit as the "zero %" game illustrates.
-We have an economy that has given up it's industrial base and relies on folks shopping in the malls and no one is shopping. I have witnessed my industry, Apparel, go from dismal to devastated. Most have left, re trained or just disappeared.
-If the Saturn folks seem a little needy, it's because they are. You can not blame anyone for getting a little panicky when income is vanishing.
-And worse is yet to come.
Later ...

dindak · May 2003

You're right about the economy in the U.S. It's in horrible shape and Mr. Bush does not seem to be doing a lot to stimulate the economy. I see it getting worse as his focus is clearly overseas and interest cuts are not helping. The economy is not as bad up here, but it's likely heading that way as we do 80% of trade with the U.S.

zapcat · May 2003

How do you VUE owners like the factory tires?
My 235/65R16 Dueler HT 684 seem great so far no complaints on the Hwy. The folks at tirerack have a lot of negative comments on the dueler HT that came on the CRV (R15 I think) but they seem to be a totally different tire/treadpattern?
Any complaints/comments/speeches....?

markopolo · May 2003

My Vue is the four cylinder sport model 2002. The rumbling in reverse can not be normal. It sounds like a gears grinding. The dealer called me and reported there is a new motor mount repair for this problem. He also says it does not correct it fully. I tend to think it is a transmission problem not a motor mount.

rocketbob · May 2003

What kind of mileage are you getting? Mine is lousey,(less than 20 mpg (Imperial gallons))

davmyrnis · May 2003

I am not as bad as 20MPG (Imp) In mixed driving I get 26MPG.

When the VUE was new I would average 24, after 5000KM I am now getting 26.

fleetwoodsimca · May 2003

My 2003 Sport II+ with a 5 speed Italian made tranny has none of the symptoms you describe concerning reverse gear.

gehe · May 2003

-On my V6 VUE, since new Oct 2002, the worst I have gotten in mixed driving was 19MPG and the best was 24MPG.
-It is usually around 22MPG.
-Mostly I drive on major highways where I use CRUISE CONTROL extensively with some local driving to the market, Home Depot, the library ... on when I just want to treat myself and give the Geo Tracker a break.
-I think the mileage is improving and it all depends on your driving. If I didn't hit the gas after the EZ-Pass toll booths just for the thrill of it, the mileage would probably be better.
-I think it's fine compared with the market. I would liked to have seen all the auto makers making it a priority, but the Honda Element gets 19MPG and the Kia new SUV gets 15MPG. How's that for a " bitter pill " ??!!
-Later ...

mtena · May 2003

See the June 2 edition for a look at Saturn's problems. The article is entitled, "Saturn: Still Tiny, but Bleeding Like a Monster," and it is subtitled "With new models struggling, it could lose $1 billion this year."

The article talks about the bloated inventories for the Ion and the poor demand for the L-Series. No mention of the Vue, which is presumably selling better?

zapcat · May 2003

Back from a 280 mile (each way) weekend drive. I'm happy to report 26.75 mpg on the highway with the A/C on and speeds between 65 an 75. My silver 2003 VUE (FWD V6) did a great job keeping 2 adults and 2 kids plus all our stuff comfortable and now has just over 3200 miles.

julians · May 2003

My new FWD 4cyl 5-speed has about 2000 miles on it. THe manual says to wait until the oil light comes on to change the oil. I have heard that in the past the first oil change should come early incase of "fragments" from the new motor. I was figuring I should do it soon, then be more relaxed about future oil changes. Any suggestions? Synthetic Oil?

PS my VUE has no grinding in Reverse...but it is a little tough to get in gear.

fleetwoodsimca · May 2003

Use the index in the back of the owners manual to find the procedure for resetting the oil light. I intend to change the oil and filter on my 2003 Silver "Sport II+" at 3K, and then every 3K thereafter. I'll be using Chevron petroleum oil and a NAPA filter.

So what do you other owners think of the "drop in" oil filter element?

onelucky7 · May 2003

I know you all haven't heard from me in awhile . . . and it pains me to have to say this . . . but I believe I have a LEMON! I bought one of the first vues off the line in January 2002. In the beginning, there were little things here and there and if you go back, you will see that I made a lot of posts. As a prior Saturn owner, I was pretty charged with my new purchase. However, I have been through one problem after another since shortly after buying this Vue. Just a reminder . . . I bought the Orange AWD-V6 with 6 disc-CD player and standards.
It has been in the shop 45 days since 01/02. Problems have included the following: replace/repair steering column housing/assembly x 3 from grinding/rubbing when steering,repair rear suspension and insulators due to high pitched suspension noises, replace window defroster connecton ommitted in mfg.,replace door handle cushioning twice, peeling composite on shift indicator-replaced, fixed leaky air conditioner evaporator and dried carpets x 3,replaced gas pedal position sensor after towing back from NC to VA, repaired and replaced CV joint due to excessive play and noise, replaced brake pedal switch due to clicking noise, replaced visor that would not stay in Up position, replaced defective compact disc player (error message), replaced defective heater blower switch (would not turn), repaired and then replaced intermediate steering shaft due to grinding problem, replaced rear bearing and hub assembly due to noise, repaired brake rotors from shimmy. Problems that still exist include: CD clock is intermittently inoperable, steering/suspension makes clunking noise sometimes when turning or going over a bump in the road, transmission is slow to engage when accelerating, brakes still shimmy when engaged, brake pedal still clicks when depressed and the door handle cushioning is still falling off.

And the worst part is all that Saturn has done in response to this is give me an extended warranty to 60K miles. I'm still working the legal avenues. . . . I'll keep y'all posted. Buyer beware . . .

dindak · May 2003

onelucky : You need to change your name. ;-) Sorry to hear about that.

mtena : VUE is definitely selling well. Almost no incentives up here in a market full of them. I think you get 3.9% financing right now, whoo hoo. ION is doing ok, L-series is doing awful. You can get one thousands less than an Accord.

fleetwoodsimca · May 2003

Here in Colorado I got 2K as a rebate, and a dynamite trade in allowance, compared to any other brand I looked at. I do understand the math!

mmspeal · May 2003

Dindak - add in the burlington post last night said 1.9% for 48 months.

I was wondering, since I bought mine at dealer cost (dad works for GM) and am paying 5.9%, would it be worth ordering another at dealer cost and trading my 2002 for a new 2003 - hmmmm?????

carguy1234 · May 2003

The VUE is selling well, actually ahead of the RAV4 this year, and well ahead of the Forester (though losing by an almost 2:1 margin to both the CR-V and Escape):

http://www.autosite.com/editoria/asmr/svsuv.asp

VUE sales are up over 60% year to date 2003 Vs 2002.

Onelucky - sorry to hear about your bad experience. Our VUE has been perfect, and believe me - if I had problems, I'd be on here telling people about them too.

oarlox · May 2003

Last week I had a kid dart out in front of me while I was moving at 55mph. I had the brakes as locked up as they would go. All things concidered the VUE handled very well, no swerving and I was able to stear clear of the kid. Had I been in my Suburban I would have killed the poor kid, I am very sure! Glad that the VUE handled the situation very well.

stever · May 2003

That's scary. Reminds me of that tragic accident in Girdwood years ago before they built the bikepaths.

Schools out here now; gotta remember to really watch out for the little guys weekdays now.

Steve, Host

essweb · June 2003

When will Vue start using the most needed engine? Is it for V6 only?

dindak · June 2003

oarlox : Great news that the VUE brakes are as good as they are!

mmspeal : If they had 1.9% financing last year I'd probably have a 5-speed VUE in the drive right now. I was offered 6.9% for 60 mo. last year vs 0.9% for our Alero which is why we put off the SUV for a few years.

carguy : I see VUEs everywhere now. Very popular!

vuefor2 · June 2003

When we bought our Vue, you would be surprised to ever see another. Now nobody notices out little red SUV any more, they are very common on the streets around here also.

zapcat · June 2003

I am considering upgrading my VUE's lowbeam headlights to SilverStar SuperWhites. Has anyone changed the VUE's headlight bulbs? How easy are they to access? I took a quick look and could not get my hand in there. Looks like some brackets must be removed and this could throw off the adjustment/aiming. Any diagrams/advice/step by step instructions will be appreciated. TIA

phillymom · June 2003

We are considering purchasing a 2003 VUE and I have a couple of questions

 We were considering a 4cyl AWD with Vti trans. Is their issues with this transmission? Should we stick with the standard trans?
 Is the AWD worth getting or is the FWD good in snow (I am in Philadelphia so snow is a couple of month issue)
 Is their a major difference with the 4 CYL vs the 6 CYL???
 This car is a family car because we have a 2 year old daughter. Can the one seat be folded down with a car seat in the middle??
 What is the deal with shaking at 55-65 mph?? What about excessive noise??
 Please let me know how what model you have, How long you have owned it and if you have any any issues

Any other feedback good or bad would be appreciated

stever · June 2003

Nice list; sorry our posting software doesn't let you use those list item bullets ("&#61623").

Steve, Host

dindak · June 2003

I just read a review of the CVT 4 cyl and it was pretty good. Not a lot of power but sufficient and apparently the transmission is decent. If you like to have lots of power, definitely go V6 as the 4 cyl is only sufficient unless you go with a 5-speed which I thought was pretty peppy.

vuefor2 · June 2003

The 6 cyl is really peppy but the 4 cyl with the 5-speed is fine also. Have not driven a CVT Vue, so I can't comment on that. It's a great little SUV and I don't think you will go wrong with any configuration. It really comes down to budget and preferences.

maynardf1 · June 2003

We've had a 2002 fwd, manual trans., 4-cyl vue for 15 months. Lots of snow here, and the fwd with traction control handled it just fine.
I haven't driven a vti. I give the manual trans. a B. It could be smoother, but there is plenty of kick for everyday driving.
Rear seats fold down 70-30, so you can put the carseat on either side. There's also a shoulder belt in the middle.
The plastic backing on the front passenger seat is a bonus if you have a child in the back. Put her seat on that side, and she can leave as many footprints on the seat as she wants. They just wipe off. My daughter uses it as a place to put various stickers. They peel off easily.
Haven't had any shaking on the highway.
Interior noise is average. It's not super quiet, but you can talk in a normal voice on the highway.
Good luck.

br1009 · June 2003

I am very concerned about the shaking and rumbling from the VUE's clutch or 5-speed manual transmission when backing up. This is much worse on a slope and is first felt as a vibration in my left foot when letting up the clutch pedal. The whole car shakes. The dealer says this is normal and won't take apart the transmission to see if there is a problem even though another mechanic said this could be real bad for the drive train. Anybody know what this is or how to get it fixed?

tcams76 · June 2003

http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=29&article- _id=6803

dindak · June 2003

http://www.autonet.ca/AutonetStories/Stories.cfm?StoryID=8643

tcams76 · June 2003

How can 18" 50 series tires and tighter springs make for a better ride; and why no dual exhaust if Saturn are shooting a sportier customer.

Even Porsche only went with 55 series tires on their new SUV.

purduealum91 · June 2003

Well, while the numbers are ok, I like my milage figures better - 48 mpg crusing between 70-80 w/ac on in a VW diesel with 3 adults, dog, and loaded hatch!

stever · June 2003

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety side impact crash tests

Steve, Host

dindak · June 2003

I saw that report. Only the Forester did well on the side impact.

While it is a factor, I consider the front impact to be more important and the VUE does very well there. Hopefully all the makers of these small SUVs will take note and make some improvements.

joey2brix · June 2003

Bottom line: someone blabbing on their cell phone in their 4 ton Excursion will never see the stop sign on red light and T bone you in the intersection. That's becoming the most deadly accident. The side air curtains should not be options, make them standard equip. Oh and make the cops bash in the cell phone when they catch someone yapping at the wheel. This alone will save a few hundred deaths.

dindak · June 2003

Maybe, I don't know where to find data on this. My own experience and from what I see make think frontal protection is a little more important. That said, over all safety is important also and Saturn, Honda and all the others should make improvements given this report.

joey2brix · June 2003

The guy from the Insurance Ist. for Highway safety said side impact has become the #1 killer.
Their test is much harder then the US gov.'s side impact since they ram the driver side door above the door handle at the edge of the window opening.
This probably misses most of the side impact bar in the door and the bottom of the unitized body frame. Overkill maybe, but if a large SUV or pickup hits you, this is the "kill zone". It was scarey to watch the side of the Vue and Honda Element blow in and the rear passanger test dummy fall out. Without any crumple zone or reinforced "B" pillar, there's really no other help but a side air curtain.
Of course they tested mini-utes. This is not to say any passanger car or maybe larger SUV's have the same problem.

tcams76 · June 2003

It will use regular unleaded gasoline and deliver EPA estimated fuel
economy figures as follows:

FWD - 20 city/28 highway
AWD- 19 city/25 highway

per:GM

tcams76 · June 2003

Do I really need Awd?? living in the south.

Saturn VUE

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